Rutgers could be facing major lineup changes against North Carolina

Jonathan Brownfield/US PresswireScarlet Knights head coach Greg Schiano has several decisions to make before North Carolina visits Rutgers this weekend.

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Rutgers coach Greg Schiano hasn’t committed to anything yet, but there’s a chance the Scarlet Knights will have three major lineup changes on offense when North Carolina visits on Saturday.

One, the tailback spot, could be out of necessity with leading rusher Joe Martinek still slowed by an ankle injury. If Martinek can’t go, true freshman Jordan Thomas would likely get the start.

“It’s going to be a game-time decision,” Schiano reiterated after practice today when asked about Martinek’s status. “He’s hobbling around out there. I don’t know.”

With sophomore Quron Pratt available for the first time this season after being sidelined by a shoulder injury and true freshman J.T. Tartacoff getting more work at practice, slot receiver is another position with the potential for change. Indications are that Pratt will take over for true freshman Jeremy Deering.

“Getting Quron back helps a lot,” said quarterback Tom Savage. “I love Quron. He’s a great receiver and a really smart receiver as well. That’s huge. He really gets it mentally, knows when to cut and where to break. You can count on him.”

The work-in-progress offensive line, meanwhile, could see a changing of the (right) guard, with redshirt freshman Antwan Lowery possibly replacing Caleb Ruch as the starter.

Lowery has played in both games, so that switch wouldn’t be as dramatic. But it could signal the start of a long run for the 6-4, 305-pound Lowery, who wears Anthony Davis’ old No. 75.

“Antwan is a strong, talented, powerful guy who is going to play a lot of football here for years to come,” said right tackle Art Forst. “He’s going to be a real good player.”

Martinek’s uncertain status leaves Rutgers dangerously-thin at tailback, with De’Antwan Williams the only other available back-up, unless Mason Robinson is moved back again from wide receiver. True freshman Casey Turner is still recovering from groin surgery while classmate Jawan Jamison is just rounding into shape.

“He’s done a nice job on the scout team,” Schiano said of Jamison. “He’s coming along, getting in better shape. You can see the quickness now that you saw on his high a school tape.”

Asked if Jamison is ready to play yet, Schiano responded with a terse “no.”The Wildcat with Mohamed Sanu is the other option Rutgers has to jumpstart its running game if Martinek can’t go and Thomas isn’t effective.Tom Luicci: tluicci@starledger.com

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Rutgers could look to target North Carolina's depleted secondary on Saturday

Rutgers could look to target North Carolina's depleted secondary on Saturday Star-Ledger reporters Tom Luicci and Dave Hutchinson preview Saturday's game vs. North Carolina. With 12 players still suspended, many of whom make up the Tarheel's secondary, Rutgers may look to Tom Savage to lead the passing game to a win. Many in the media have pointed to this game as a litmus test to see how the rest of the season will go for the Scarlet Knights but this is also a crucial week for the Big East Conference. There are four out-of-conference games which will show the strength or weakness of the conference. For example, Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati and Miami vs. Pittsburgh headline this weekend of Big East action. Luicci and Hutch give their predictions for Rutgers vs. UNC.